McNutt announced her departure from USGS on Jan. 14. The departure is timed to follow the launch of the Landsat 8 satellite on Feb. 11, she told organization employees, according to the NSSGA.

USGS Deputy Director Suzette Kimball will become acting director and associate director for water and Bill Werkheiser will become the acting deputy director, according to the report. No time-frame has been named for announcing a new permanent director.